Online Module Reflection

The highlight of EME4010 was the creation of an online module in CANVAS.  As soon as the assignment was introduced, I knew that I wanted to create a module for adult students preparing to take the GED math exam.  This was an opportunity for me to design an online module for a subject that I am already teaching.

Advantages/Disadvantages of web-based learning

Overall web-based learning and collaboration has both advantages and disadvantages.  For independent and motivated learners, web-based learning provides the unique opportunity to “learn where you are at.”  Being able to view the instructor videos, slides, and other teaching material at one’s leisure and repeatedly is one of the most advantageous offerings of web-based learning.  In relation to the type of modules that I created, through web-based learning, adult students who are working and supporting families can find a way to prepare and pass the GED exam.  This in turn, will empower them to advance with higher earning potential in the workforce. 

The disadvantages of web-based learning are more often felt by students who may be less motivated, prefer an in-person academic setting, and/or have the need for more direct contact with others.  Although there are ways to combat this in web-based learning, it is important to acknowledge that web-based learning is not for everyone.  Nevertheless, for anyone who wants to take advantage of all that web-based learning has to offer, the opportunity to succeed in online learning is inherent. 

Teaching, Social Presence & Collaboration

Two of the considerations of online learning is teacher presence and social presence.  Although students are not sitting in traditional classrooms, teacher presence is made known through a variety of ways.  Instructors who have virtual office hours and make themselves available to their students via Zoom, email, or chat create a teacher-student relationship through the use of technology.  This can even be preferred over live classrooms as it provides more opportunity for one-to-one communication without the distractions often found in the traditional classroom.

Social presence is included in web-based learning through discussion boards, group chats, and on-line collaboration opportunities.  Several times in my own web-based learning, I have read discussion posts where students indicated that they felt freer in the online environment than in person. As an educator, I add that web-based learning helps limit the distractions of the classroom and encourages students to “think before they speak,” better described as “think before they write.”  As I see it, this is a huge advantage of on-line learning.

Collaboration in web-based learning is available.  Technology such as Google Docs and other collaborative programs make the actual collaboration do-able.  Two challenges to online collaboration are coordinating schedules between students and working with students who do not contribute or have the same goals to succeed.  Although this is not a new challenge, the online element adds to the stress in these circumstances.

Creating My Module

I found the process of creating in CANVAS fascinating and inspirational.  The platform itself is user-friendly and the "view as a student" option enabled me to walk through my creation as if I were the student.  This was helpful in looking at the module as both educator and student.  The biggest challenge I faced was uploading the recorded videos.  After realizing that they must first be uploaded into the CANVAS files, the challenge no longer existed, and the process of uploading additional videos went smoothly. 

The biggest reward in this experience was being able to create two modules within the designated time frame. I look forward to further developing this module into an online course for future use with my GED students.  I also look forward to creating more CANVAS courses in the near future.